récif
/ʁe.sif/masculine
The English word 'reef' can be translated into French as récif or écueil.
Meaning: rocks at or near surface of the water (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| récif | /ʁe.sif/ | masculine |
| écueil | /e.kœj/ | masculine |
Both words refer to rocks at or near the surface of the water. récif is the standard term used to describe a reef, particularly in biological or geological contexts, such as a coral reef (récif corallien).
Which one should you use?
While both are masculine nouns, they carry different connotations. récif is used for a biological or geological reef. In contrast, écueil refers specifically to a dangerous rock or reef that poses a hazard to navigation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word récif is pronounced /ʁe.sif/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word récif actually has roots in the Arabic word 'ar-raṣīf', which originally meant 'the platform'.
- The word écueil is frequently used as a metaphor for a hidden danger or a stumbling block in a project or a relationship.
Examples in context
- Le récif corallien est la principale attraction de la région.The coral reef is the region's prime attraction.This sentence shows how to use récif when discussing a coral reef as a regional attraction.Tatoeba #958020 by sacredceltic, translation #954341 by CK
- J'ai été nager avec un tuba dans un beau récif corallien.I went snorkeling in a beautiful coral reef.This sentence demonstrates the use of récif in the context of snorkeling.Tatoeba #803638 by sacredceltic, translation #709100 by darinmex
- Nous avons exploré le magnifique récif de corail lors de notre séjour en Polynésie.We explored the stunning coral reef during our trip to Polynesia.
- As-tu entendu parler de ce banc de corail au large de la côte?Have you heard about this coral bank off the coast?
- Le voilier s'est échoué sur un récif dangereux.The sailboat ran aground on a dangerous reef.
- Le bateau s'est échoué sur un récif.The boat ran aground on a reef.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a map of a tropical island.
- ChloéEst-ce que le récif est dangereux pour la navigation ?Is the reef dangerous for navigation?
- NathanOui, il faut faire très attention aux rochers.Yes, you have to be very careful with the rocks.
- ChloéNathan, tu connais bien cette zone ?Nathan, do you know this area well?
- NathanNon, je n'ai jamais navigué près de ce récif.No, I have never sailed near this reef.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reef” translations and entries récif, écueil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries récif, écueil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
